Page 95

Jase opened the door. “Is this a private party or can anyone join?” he asked.

Roscoe followed him outside and put his head on Leila’s knee.

“You did good work, Jase,” Kostya complimented.

Leila watched Jase carefully, and she could see that the compliment meant a lot to him.

“Well, all of you come inside. I rescued the tacos, so let’s eat something before DHS agents descend.”

“It’s after midnight,” Leila protested.

“Aren’t you hungry?” Jase asked reasonably.

Leila thought about it and realized she was.

“Let me take Roscoe home first. Then I can eat. Okay?”

Jase gave her a warm smile. “I’ll make sure there’s stuff left for you.”

“I’m going with her. Are you going to save some for me?” Linc asked.

“Nope. I don’t like you as much.”

Kostya and Leila laughed.

When Leila got up off the porch swing and started walking, Roscoe immediately followed. Linc put his arm around her and they walked along the lakeshore together.

“Leila?”

“Hmm.”

“How is your dad doing?”

“I talked to him on the phone today, which was the first time. I’ve been so scared, Linc.”

“I know.”

She loved it when he squeezed her tighter.

“Do you know how much I love you?” Linc asked.

“I’ve been catching on.” She smiled. “I love you, too.”

She saw the Murphys’ house and Roscoe ran up to the sliding glass door, which was closed. Poor baby, he couldn’t get in. Usually they left it cracked for him.

“I was wondering, how married are you to living in DC?”

Leila felt her heart beat so fast, she thought it would come out of her chest. “I’m a free agent. It doesn’t matter where I live. Why?” she asked breathlessly.

He stopped her in her tracks and stepped in front of her so that all she could see was him. “I want you to relocate to Little Creek and move in with me.”

“You do?”

“Absolutely. I can’t stand being apart from you. I want your things in my home, and want your crap on my bathroom sink, I love you.”

Leila didn’t think about her answer; her heart started talking first. “Yes!”

“Thank God.”